Short answer: in 2026 there is no single UK-wide grant just for building a website. Funding for a new website usually comes from local council and combined-authority business grants, Growth Hub and regional digital programmes, and the devolved business support in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Most cover 30–50% of costs, cap at £1,000–£5,000, and expect the website to be part of a wider growth plan. This guide explains where to look, what usually qualifies, and how to apply.
Grant schemes open and close often; always check the current status on the official site before you apply.
Quick summary: where website funding comes from in 2026
| Source | Typical support | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Local council / combined authority business grants (often UK Shared Prosperity Fund–backed) | £500–£5,000, often 50% match-funded | Your council’s “business support” or “grants” page |
| Growth Hubs (England) | Free advice, digital workshops, and links to local grant rounds | Search “[your area] Growth Hub” |
| Business Gateway (Scotland) | Digital advice and local grant programmes | bgateway.com |
| Business Wales | Digital support and regional funding calls | businesswales.gov.wales |
| Invest NI / NI councils | Digital and growth programmes | investni.com and your NI council |
| Start Up Loans (British Business Bank) | Loans of £500–£25,000 at a fixed rate, plus mentoring; can fund a website as part of a start-up plan | startuploans.co.uk |
| Innovate UK | Competitive grants for genuinely innovative digital products, not standard brochure websites | apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk |
Is there a government grant for a website in 2026?
Not a dedicated national one. The UK government’s Help to Grow: Digital scheme, which offered discounts on approved software, closed to new applications in 2023 and was never a website-build grant. Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), which used to run many “digital voucher” schemes, were wound down in 2024, and their business-support role passed to councils and combined authorities.
That means the money still exists, but it is local. Most website funding in England now comes through councils and combined authorities, much of it from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and its successor local growth funding. Rounds open and close through the year, so timing matters.
1. Local council and combined-authority grants
This is the most likely route for a small business. Many councils run small business grants, “digital adoption” grants or high-street improvement funds that can pay for a new website, an e-commerce shop or online booking, when it helps the business grow.
- Typical size: £500 to £5,000.
- Usually match-funded: the grant covers 30–50% and you pay the rest.
- Usually needs quotes: one to three written quotes from suppliers before you apply.
- Usually pays after: you buy the website, then claim the grant with invoices.
How to find it: search “[your council] business grant” or “[your combined authority] digital grant” (for example West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, West Midlands), and ask your local Growth Hub what is open now.
2. Growth Hubs (England)
Every area of England has a Growth Hub: a free, publicly funded business support service. Growth Hubs rarely give money directly, but they know which local grants are open, run digital skills workshops, and some offer fully funded one-to-one digital advice. Telling a Growth Hub adviser you want to grow online sales is often the quickest way to hear about website funding in your area.
3. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Scotland: Business Gateway offers free digital advice (DigitalBoost) and links to local council grants. Scottish Enterprise supports growth-stage companies.
- Wales: Business Wales provides digital support and publishes regional funding calls; some Welsh councils run their own digital grants.
- Northern Ireland: Invest NI and the eleven NI councils run growth and digital programmes, some of which part-fund websites.
4. Start Up Loans
If you are starting a business (or have traded for under three years), a government-backed Start Up Loan of £500 to £25,000 can pay for a website as part of your launch plan. It is a loan, not a grant, but it comes with 12 months of free mentoring and a fixed interest rate.
5. Innovate UK and sector schemes
Innovate UK funds genuinely new technology, such as a novel app or platform. A standard business website will not qualify. Some sectors (tourism, culture, charities, rural businesses) also have their own funds; charities should look at trusts and foundations, many of which fund websites that improve access to services.
What website costs usually qualify?
- Design and build of a new website, or a redesign that adds new capability
- E-commerce: online shop, payments, product catalogue
- Online booking, quoting or enquiry systems
- Integration with stock, CRM or accounting software
- Accessibility and security improvements
Usually not covered: ongoing hosting, domain renewals, monthly subscriptions, staff time, or work you have already paid for before the grant was approved.
How to improve your chances
- Apply before you buy. Most schemes refuse costs incurred before approval.
- Show the growth outcome. “Online booking will cut phone admin by 10 hours a week and let us take 20% more appointments” beats “we need a new website”.
- Get proper quotes. Itemised quotes from established suppliers make approval easier.
- Check the match funding. Make sure you can pay your share up front.
- Move quickly. Local funds are often first-come, first-served and close early.
Need a quote for a grant application?
Web Matter builds websites, online shops and booking systems for UK small businesses, and can provide itemised quotes in the format grant schemes ask for. Get in touch and tell us which scheme you are applying to.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a grant to build a website in the UK?
Yes, but usually from a local council, combined authority or devolved-nation programme rather than a national scheme. Most cover 30–50% of the cost, up to a few thousand pounds.
Is Help to Grow: Digital still available?
No. Help to Grow: Digital closed to new applications in 2023, and it discounted approved software rather than paying for website builds.
Do I have to pay the grant back?
Grants are not repaid if you meet the conditions. Start Up Loans and similar finance are loans and must be repaid.
Can a sole trader get website funding?
Often yes. Many local grants accept sole traders and micro-businesses, provided you are trading and based in the area.
How long does a website grant take?
Typically two to eight weeks from application to approval. Payment usually comes after you have bought the website and submitted invoices.